The Programme

Please note that the following information is in draft form and cannot be relied on as definitive.

OrganisationGrow to Work is a start up social enterprise offering training and work experience to school leavers. The company is structured as a Community Interest Company and will pursue commercial ventures and seek to maximise profits, with any surplus being applied to community benefit in the central Scottish Borders.

These are full time posts and are offered initially for a period of 12 months, commencing August 2012.

Job SummaryTo enable the company to commence commercial operations in June 2013, it will be necessary to prepare the site. This will involve major ground works, building of new structures and alterations to existing buildings. Among the works to be carried out are; fencing to secure stock, preparation of existing rough pasture to enable cultivation and assembly of Poly Tunnels. Trainees will be offered a very hands on practical work experience, under the supervision of experienced volunteers.

DutiesTrainees will gain experience in a number of rural skills. These will include, but are not limited to; fencing, drystane walling, field drainage, woodworking, small machinery maintenance, horticulture. The range and progress of activities, will in great part be weather dependent.

Working ConditionsThese positions will entail working in an open environment with exposure to the elements. Some tasks will be physically demanding. You will absolutely get your hands dirty, as well as your feet. We will be working in fields and applying tons of cow muck and other manures. At times, it will be cold and wet and at others, hot and humid.

As the core objective of the social enterprise is to develop a skills base for young adults with learning disabilities, you will be expected to work with and at times support, colleagues who are less able to participate in activities. You will be given training and encouraged to work with a range of agricultural implements, including tractors, grass machinery and hedge trimmers. As well as using the machinery, it is expected that you will service and maintain them.

Person SpecificationThese positions are intended for school leavers. There is no minimum qualification and no prior experience is required. All that we ask is that you bring your energy and enthusiasm; and enjoy.

Thornielee (TD1 3LN) is located midway between Galashiels and Peebles just off the A72. Our catchment area comprises Earlston High School, Galashiels Academy, Peebles High School and Selkirk High School.

Successful candidates will be asked to obtain a disclosure prior to commencing employment.

Career ProgressionAll participants will be encouraged to learn from their experience at Thornielee, with the objective of gaining appropriate skills that will enable each individual to make informed life choices.

It is anticipated that among the choices open to trainees on completion of their first year, will be:

- Return to full time training/education- Employment with a local enterprise- Mentor the next intake of trainees